Why are injured race horses put down?

Sign up to our free sport newsletter for all the latest news on everything from cycling to boxing Sign up to our free sport email for all the latest news Sign up to our free sport email for all the latest news SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The return of the Cheltenham Festival sees animal welfare again in the focus, with at least one horse put down at every edition since 2000. Race horses can live for up to 30 years, but injured fallers at National Hunt events are often put down after breaking limbs. “Maintaining a comparable quality of life is a key consideration when considering future options for a horse that has had a serious injury or condition.” Racing has been criticised, however, as unethical by a number of animal rights charities, including People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals. “Whether they die in terrifying accidents on the track or in training, are euthanised after sustaining crippling injuries, or fail to win races and are shipped off to an abattoir, these sensitive animals are treated as nothing more than disposable commodities.” The BHA published a list of recommendations designed to improve the safety and welfare of horses and riders in National Hunt racing after a review of the Cheltenham Festival in 2018.